Dublin Core
Title
Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery
Subject
Colbert County, Alabama; Cherokee, Alabama; Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery; Cemeteries
Description
On September 4, 1937, Tuscumbia merchant Key Underwood buried his trusty coon dog Old Troop in a part of the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management area known then as Sugar Camp. In the years that followed, other coon dog owners began to follow Underwood's example, and Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery was born. In addition to nearly 200 grave markers, the cemetery boasts a striking stone monument depicting two coon dogs as they tree unseen prey. Today, the cemetery is a top local tourist attraction in the Cherokee area, with its annual Labor Day festivities drawing a particularly large crowd.
To reach the Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery from Tuscumbia, head west on Highway 72 towards Memphis. After 8.5 miles, turn left onto AL-247 and head south. Follow this road for 13 miles until you see the signs for the cemetery on your left.
To reach the Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery from Tuscumbia, head west on Highway 72 towards Memphis. After 8.5 miles, turn left onto AL-247 and head south. Follow this road for 13 miles until you see the signs for the cemetery on your left.
Creator
Brian Corrigan, University of North Alabama
Source
W.E. Rickard, "Coon Dog Cemetery," in The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama (Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 1999).
Publisher
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
Date
November 22, 2015
Format
text, image